Good afternoon everyone. Tonight the Pens welcome back Jordan Staal, which likely means someone important will be getting hurt soon. After all, nature seeks balance in all things. (No, Kennedy doesn't count. Sadly.) The Pens have lost their last two games and could really use some wins. Today offers a good chance at that with the Zombie Thrashers in town for the first time since they fled north. They need points as well since they're on the outside looking in of the playoff race. The Pens have a rather strange February schedule with all these back-to-backs. With games against teams out of the playoff race on the weekend docket, it's important to get these points.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/standings/_/group/2 4 points up on 9th place isn't exactly comfortable. Also, it doesn't help that the Atlantic is ridiculously good this year. Such is life. I'd say it goes in cycles, but then the Southeast is perpetually weak so that's not true. It would also be nice if the Pens could make it into the top 4 given how they've been noticeably better at home than on the road.

Anyway, I expect you lot to be enthusiastic. Have fun and try to keep the goofy photos Pens-related.